The Great Autumn Grouille at the New Brunswick Botanical Garden

The Great Autumn Grouille

Pumpkins, pumpkins and more pumpkins await you at the Great Autumn Grouille (aka La Grande Grouille). There are thousands of them in every size, shape and colour. There are also fairies and gnomes, witches and wizards, cats and bats, birds and insects, and animals and mystical creatures. Each year has its own special theme and exciting new spectacular surprises. What remains the same is that the Great Autumn Grouille is a fabulous fall festival that happens the first full weekend in October. It is an important annual ritual, as together fantastical creatures rise to remind us to take good care of the earth. Look, listen and learn on the most magical weekend of the year.

Annual Fall Festival

Calling the Great Autumn Grouille a fall festival doesn’t do it justice. Now in its 17th year, this annual event is the garden’s grand finale before closing for the season, a 4-day celebration in true autumn style. Running from October 1-4, 2026, the festival promises a return of crowd favourites like the Ferris wheel, and the spectacular Geomatrix fire shows. Enjoy live music, a special autumn menu at Café Flora, and an evening filled with magic, pumpkins galore, and enchanting experiences. Tickets available online or at the door — don’t miss this unforgettable autumn event.

Pumpkins, Pumpkins, Pumpkins…

Pumpkins, pumpkins, pumpkins… as far as one could see - over 3,000 of them! Imaginative, creative, carved, painted and decorated pumpkins everywhere. The scope of the effort for Great Autumn Grouille had me gobsmacked. This is a very big deal. I have never seen anything like it. Local school children join n the fun by entering their own special pumpkins into a competition. The display of their entries is quite impressive. Lots of budding talented artists. Here are just a few.

It was a Fantastical Night Followed by An Amazing Day

Music filled the air with a rhythmic beat, witches brewed a concoction for children and another special one was available for adults. A wizard shared his high-powered telescope for views of the stars and the moon. Skeletons danced in a brilliant neon glowing Day of the Dead tunnel. A pumpkin village led the way to a giant spider’s lair. Ghostly dresses floated in the wind, spirit fish leapt out of the brook, and a sea serpent made an appearance in the pond. Circus Stella fire dancers also twirled, whirled and swirled fire batons, hoops, and fireballs wowing the crowd.

It was a fantastical night followed by an amazing day when I returned to take in the garden all over again in a brand new light. Seeing Great Autumn Grouille world again in the daylight connected experiences and visions from a total different perspective. It also uncovered new creatures and beautiful vignettes that were not visible at night. Do not miss the opportunity to witness this spectacular display at night then once again during the day. A back-to-back visit is highly recommended. I will let my photos tell the story. Enjoy my experience then go — go see for yourself — what extraordinary showcase Great Autumn Grouille has in store for you. You will not be disappointed.

Café Flora

Café Flora is a must stop for lunch anytime you visit the garden. I love that during the Great Autumn Grouille the restaurant creates a special menu and decorates for the festivities with colourful, fun displays inside and out on the patio as well. The hearty chilli I ordered was delicious, hot and spicy. It really hit the spot after a cool autumn afternoon exploring the gardens.

Uniquely Colourful Edmundston

The Edmundston-Madawaska Region has so much to see, do and taste. Think a magnificent cathedral filled with fascinating details, colourful public art, a historic blockhouse overlooking the rivers, a craft brewery housed in a former police station, nearly 60 kilometres of mountain-bike trails, the Petit-Témis cycling trail, local boutiques, and memorable meals. Come discover why Edmundston deserves more than a quick stop along the way. Enjoy my guide for all you need to know and where to book your stay before visiting the Edmundston-Madawaska region.

The New Brunswick Botanical Garden - A Garden to Love

The New Brunswick Botanical Garden aka Jardin botanique du Nouveau-Brunswick boasts over 80,000 plants on eight acres of scenic land making it the largest arboretum east of Montreal. Enjoy twelve themed gardens, serene waterscapes, Artists in Residence, a Herbalist’s Pavillon with educational and interactive workshops, and the sweetest café perched perfectly to enjoy the marvel of it all. Plan a trip to this pretty provincial park next to the Madawaska River, located in suburban Saint-Jacques neighbourhood in Edmundston. The New Brunswick Botanical Garden is a garden to love.

The NB Botanical Garden - A Garden to Love

This post was sponsored by Tourism Edmundston-Madawaska; however, all thoughts and opinions are my own. Follow Maritimes Maven on FaceBook, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn & Threads. Subscribe to be the first to receive my latest articles. Share articles you love with your social media community so they, too, will discover, There’s No Place Like Home!